The Multidimensional, Intersecting Impacts of COVID-19 on Young People's Lives: Evidence From Cross-Sectional Surveys in Mexico, India, and Kenya

PURPOSE

Studies have documented diverse adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's lives-for instance on mental health, education/employment prospects, and intrafamily violence. We sought to generate much-needed evidence regarding whether, and which, young people are experiencing multiple intersecting effects.

METHODS

Data come from cross-sectional surveys with young people ages 15-25 years in Mexico (nationwide, n = 55,692), Kenya (four counties, n = 2,750), and India (two states, n = 3,537), collected from late 2020 to early 2022. We used latent class analysis to identify subgroups based on multiple adverse effects, then examined associations between these subgroups and COVID-19 infections/family deaths, and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

We found prevalent adverse impacts overall and two distinct subgroups in each country-one experiencing higher levels of all impacts, such as on mental health (44%-78% across countries), education/employment (22%-84%), intrafamily violence (22%-49%), and friendships (66%-86%). This subgroup comprised 40% of the sample in Mexico, 25% in Kenya, and 35% in India. In multivariate analyses, this group consistently had greater odds of experiencing COVID-19-related infections and deaths of loved ones. They were more likely socioeconomically disadvantaged, older, urban residents. Associations with other characteristics were country-specific.

DISCUSSION

This study provides novel cross-country evidence that a subgroup of young people has experienced intersecting adverse impacts of COVID-19 on their lives. Findings also confirm prior evidence of multiple elevated vulnerabilities in general. Expanded provision of multiple layers of support is required, particularly for the most vulnerable subgroup, as are multi-sectoral policies and interventions to prevent intersectional effects in future times of crisis.

Cognition and Interaction: From the Perspective of Daily Therapeutic Landscape of the Coastal Zone

This study explored the relationship between mental and physical therapeutic effects through three dimensions: man-environment relationships, a sense of place, and symbolic landscapes. The study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Local residents living in the coastal area of Xinglin Bay were the research objects. Quantitative data analysis revealed that the frequency of residents' visits was an important variable affecting their physical and treatment perceptions. For those who visit frequently, these visits can evoke memories, which can better express their sensory experience. The text analysis showed that residents picked up two major landscape elements to form the sense of place and symbolic landscape: one is the water body in the coastal zone, and the other is the cultural symbol of the peninsula. Based on untoward event experience, the residents assembled the elements into a new spatial relationship with therapeutic affordance.

Unhealthy Shock: Changes in Household Expenditures in the First Wave of COVID-19 in India

This article uses nationally representative household survey data between June 2019 and 2020 from India to examine changes in household consumption expenditure following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that across rural and urban households, there was a strong reduction in overall expenditures, in particular, related to food and health. This corroborates findings from existing literature on food insecurity during the first lockdown in India (March–April 2020) and provides the first set of estimates on changes in health expenditure for this period. Although there were expansions to health insurance and subsidized COVID-related healthcare costs in India, our findings likely do not reflect this. We discuss implications for policy and outline future work.

Changes in temporal pattern and spatial distribution of environmental pollutants in 8 Asian countries owing to COVID-19 pandemic

This study investigated the changes in air pollutant's concentration, spatio-temporal distribution and sensitivity of changes in air pollutant's concentration during pre and post COVID-19 outbreak. We employed Google Earth Engine Platform to access remote sensing datasets of air pollutants across Asian continent. Air pollution and cumulative confirmed-COVID cases data of Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia) have been collected and analyzed for 2019 and 2020. The results indicate that aerosol index (AI) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is significantly reduced during COVID outbreak i.e. in year 2020. In addition, we found significantly positive (P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval, two-tailed) correlation between changes in AI and NO₂ concentration for net active-COVID case increment in almost each country. For other atmospheric gases i.e. carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), ozone (O₃), and Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), insignificant and/or significant negative correlation is also observed. These results suggest that the atmospheric concentration of AI and NO₂ are good indicators of human activities. Furthermore, the changes in O₃ shows significantly negative correlation for net active-COVID case increment. In conclusion, we observed significant positive environmental impact of COVID-19 restrictions in Asia. This study would help and assist environmentalist and policy makers in restraining air pollution by implementing efficient restrictions on human activities with minimal economic loss.

COVID-19 lockdown, family migration and unemployment in a gendered society

COVID-19 has posed severe challenges not only to researchers in the field of medicines and natural sciences but also to policymakers. Almost all nations of the world lockdown have been chosen as an immediate response to this pandemic crisis. The labour market in developing economies continues to be gendered with gender-based wage differentials besides occupational segregation, women who are the marginalized section in the society, bear the brunt of the unprecedented COVID-19 lockdown. Against this backdrop, a multi-sectoral general equilibrium model has been constructed with heterogeneity in migration (with and without family migration) that has been derived from the intra-household bargaining problem amongst unskilled families to analyse the gendered effect of the pandemic. Lockdown has been conceptualized as a restriction on the physical gathering of labour in the contact-intensive sectors. The results of the paper reflect internal contradictions of developing economies that have a conditional-conditioning relationship with an archaic structure.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on return-volume and return-volatility relationships in cryptocurrency markets

Understanding the dynamics of cryptocurrency markets during financial crises such as the recent one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for policy makers and investors. In this study, the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the return-volatility and return-volume relationships for the ten most traded cryptocurrencies, namely Tether, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, EOS, Chainlink, Cardano, and Monero is examined. Further, the behavior of cryptocurrencies during COVID-19 pandemic is compared with less volatile markets such as Gold, WTI, and BRENT crude oil markets. To study the effect of volatility on cryptocurrency return, an EGARCH-M model is employed while for the return-volume relationships the VAR model and Granger causality tests are utilized. Results show that the return-volatility relationships for Tether, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, EOS, and Monero are significant during COVID-19 pandemic, while the same relationship is not significant prior to the pandemic for any of the studied cryptocurrencies. Our findings of the return-volume relationship support the availability of causal relations from return to trading volume changes for Chainlink and Monero in the pre-COVID-19 period and for Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, EOS, and Cardano during the COVID-19 period. However, considering the absolute values of returns, we found a significant relationship from cryptocurrencies' absolute returns to trading volume changes for both the prior and during COVID-19 periods. From a managerial perspective, gold can be considered a suitable asset for portfolio hedging during the pandemic period and trading volume can help traders and investors identify the effect of momentum and potential trend in cryptocurrencies on their investments.

A Seven-Layer Convolutional Neural Network for Chest CT-Based COVID-19 Diagnosis Using Stochastic Pooling

(Aim) COVID-19 pandemic causes numerous death tolls till now. Chest CT is an effective imaging sensor system to make accurate diagnosis. (Method) This article proposed a novel seven layer convolutional neural network based smart diagnosis model for COVID-19 diagnosis (7L-CNN-CD). We proposed a 14-way data augmentation to enhance the training set, and introduced stochastic pooling to replace traditional pooling methods. (Results) The 10 runs of 10-fold cross validation experiment show that our 7L-CNN-CD approach achieves a sensitivity of 94.44±0.73, a specificity of 93.63±1.60, and an accuracy of 94.03±0.80. (Conclusion) Our proposed 7L-CNN-CD is effective in diagnosing COVID-19 in chest CT images. It gives better performance than several state-of-the-art algorithms. The data augmentation and stochastic pooling methods are proven to be effective.

Probing the Effect of Governance of Tourism Development, Economic Growth, and Foreign Direct Investment on Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Africa: The African Experience

The environmental repercussions of extensive carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on the environment are crucial for policymakers and scholars. The repercussions of and connection between economic growth (ECG), tourism (TOUR), and foreign direct investment (FDI) on CO2 emission mitigation have been measured and argued from empirical and theoretical perspectives by scholars. Notwithstanding, the extant body of knowledge has failed to incorporate and investigate the function of governance in decarbonizing tourism activities and FDI from CO2 emissions to attain a healthy and quality environment in Africa. Hence, this current research investigates governance’s role in the reduction processes of CO2 emissions grounded in environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) conceptual assumptions for panel data spanning 2000 through 2020 for 27 African countries. This research utilized the Westerlund panel cointegration approach for the investigation of the cointegration of the selected variables. This study applied the Driscoll–Kraay regression approach for the long-term estimation. In addition, the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and the pooled mean group (PMG) were used for robustness checks. The findings of this research indicated that the governance (GOV) indicators employed have a statistically significant effect on the CO2 emission reduction. Besides, this study found that the appreciation of the income of the nations gives credence to the formation of the EKC theory and contributes to the decline in CO2 emissions within the selected African nations. The findings revealed that tourism, FDI, ECG, and GOV are positive and significant factors leading to increased CO2 emissions in Africa. Furthermore, the results showed that effective governance and control of FDI inflows and tourism activities can support decarbonization. These findings suggest the merits of governance in ensuring effective decarbonization policies of the environment, and policy suggestions are accordingly put forward.

Suicide in India during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

There has been substantial discussion as to whether the mental health and socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic might impact suicide rates. Although India accounts for the largest proportion of global suicides, the early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates in this country are unknown.

METHODS

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data were used to calculate annual suicide rates for the period 2010-2020, stratified by sex and state. Rate Ratios (RRs) stratified by sex and state were calculated to estimate the extent of change in suicide rates.

RESULTS

Suicide rates in India generally showed a decreasing trend from 2010 until 2017, with the trend reversing after this period, particularly for males. Among males and females, the highest increase post 2017 was noted in 2020 (compared to 2017) (males: RR = 1.18 95% UI 1.17-1.19; females: RR = 1.05 95% UI 1.03-1.06).

LIMITATION

Suicide rates based on the NCRB data might be an underestimation of the true suicide rates.

CONCLUSION

Suicide rates in India increased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and although the increase in suicide rates, especially among males, predates the pandemic, the increase in suicide rates was highest in 2020, compared to increases in previous years. Further research is warranted to understand the potential ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide in India.

Adoption of ICTs as an emergent business strategy during and following COVID-19 crisis: evidence from Indian MSMEs

Purpose

This study aims to identify how ICT appeared as an emergent business strategy and to investigate the impact of ICT adoption factors on the perceived benefits of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 393 responses from Indian small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) were collected for the final analysis. The study presents the partial least-squares structural equation modeling with the Chi-square test and descriptive analysis as a methodology based on numerous independent variables and one dependent variable.

Findings

The findings indicate that ICT adoption during and following the COVID-19 pandemic is constant in nature of the enterprise. Moreover, the results indicate that different adoption of ICT factors influence on perceived benefits of organizational performance of Indian MSMEs that lent good support except for the regulatory framework.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the current research help Indian MSMEs to take investment decisions in various technologies that help the organization. Furthermore, managers and practitioners help the organization in deciding which technology adoption factors are more critical to the betterment of the organization.

Originality/value

The study found certain ICT adoption factors that have a significant role in organizational performance in Indian MSMEs. Moreover, during COVID-19, investigate ICTs' role as a business strategy.

Managing resilience of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during COVID-19: analysis of barriers

Purpose

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing major difficulties with working capital, need of digitalisation and lack of skilled workforce during this crisis situation. Managing resilience post pandemic is again a huge challenge for MSMEs. Therefore, the main objective of the study is to identify the critical barriers for recovery of MSMEs from the pandemic outbreak and recommending potential solutions for avoiding vulnerabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The most significant barriers, which will impact MSMEs resilience issues are extracted from vast literature review, discussed with nine experts from MSMEs and further categorised into organisational, operational and technical barriers. Best–worst method (BWM) has been used to find the importance rating of barriers for developing resilience in MSMEs.

Findings

It can be observed that the organisational barriers (0.507) are the most significant, followed by operational barriers (0.300) and then, technological barriers (0.192). Liquidity crunch and inadequate technical skills of employees are the most significant barriers for MSMEs resilience during COVID-19, whereas fluctuation in input cost, unavailability of containers on time and decreased process efficiency are the least significant barriers for recovering MSMEs post COVID-19.

Practical implications

Findings imply that MSMEs should try to overcome major barriers such as resource constraints, lack of skills and knowledge and inefficient inventory planning.

Originality/value

Findings of study will be of immense use for MSMEs in efficient management of operations and in developing resilience during uncertain business environment.

Could a Retail-Less City Be Sustainable? The Digitalization of the Urban Economy against the City

This article tries to imagine the possible future retail-less city and its sustainability, combining some theoretical approaches with the initial data obtained from an analysis of Barcelona and Catalonia. The retail-less city is based on the idea of a city in which all the brick-and-mortar stores have closed as a consequence of the growing virtualization of retail. The hypothesis is based on the contemporary theory of planetary urbanization and its implications for the popular relationship between retail and the city. First, the study analyzes the relative weakness of the current retail theories and the spread of certain terms that have not succeeded in becoming real concepts. Second, the research attempt to find a possible definition of the retail-less city based on the increase of brick-and-mortar store and bank branch closures in Barcelona and Catalonia. Then, it explores some alternatives in urban policies and planning, using examples from Barcelona. Finally, the conclusion returns to the contemporary theories on globalization and planetary urbanization.

Systematic mapping on the importance of vultures in the Indian public health discourse

Vultures are of immense ecological significance to forest and urban ecosystems. These birds play a major role in curbing environmental contamination through scavenging on carcasses. Prevention of spread of diseases is pivotal for public health and is an inexorable economic burden for any country. We present the crucial role vultures can play in disease mitigation and public health by regulating or decreasing the spread of zoonotic diseases. We elaborate examples from three zoonotic diseases; rabies, brucellosis and tuberculosis, which spread among dogs and cattle as well as human population. We establish the viable links in the transmission of these diseases from the infected dead and alive animals to humans and their possible exacerbation in the absence of vultures. These indirect links help formulate the case for increased interventions for disease spread and control along with conservation of these scavengers. Their role as natural and effective cleaners of the environment in the Indian health discourse is of importance because they can reduce the expenses of the government in waste management and maintenance of public health.

Prevalence, Spectrum, and Outcome of Deliberate Self-harm Presenting to Emergency Department during COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and the lockdown imposed, has had profound social and economic consequences and thereby implications on psychological health. This study aims to understand the effects of the pandemic and the lockdown on the prevalence, spectrum, and outcome of patients presenting with deliberate self-harm (DSH) to the emergency department (ED).

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective, observational study done in the ED of a tertiary care hospital in South India on DSH victims presenting from January to August 2020, spanning the prelockdown, lockdown, and unlock phases of the pandemic, and compared with data from a similar period in 2018.

Results

Our study population included 507 DSH victims (prevalence: 1.2%) from January to August 2020. The percentage of DSH cases showed a slight increase among the prelockdown (203/17,234: 1.18%), the lockdown (179/14,687: 1.22%), and the unlock phases (125/9,977: 1.25%). There was a female preponderance (286/507: 56.4%), and the mean age was 33.2 years. Of the 507 patients, 369 (72.8%) were admitted and 19 (3.7%) died. The lockdown period in 2020 showed a 40.9% absolute decrease in the number of DSH victims presenting to the ED as compared to an equivalent period in 2018. The proportion of patients taking plant poisons was significantly lower [odds ratio (OR) 0.38, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.18-0.81, p = 0.012] and that of corrosive ingestion was significantly higher (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.57-5.48, p = 0.001) in the lockdown phase as compared to a lockdown-control phase of 2018.

Conclusion

There was a reduction in the absolute number of patients presenting with DSH to the ED during January-August 2020, and more so during the lockdown phase (March 24-June 30), as compared to a similar period in 2018. There was no significant difference in the hospital outcome of DSH patients between the two periods.

How to cite this article

John SM, John A, Hazra D, Murugan S, Abhilash KPP. Prevalence, Spectrum, and Outcome of Deliberate Self-harm Presenting to Emergency Department during COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(12):1387-1394.

Assessing the potential impact of immunity waning on the dynamics of COVID-19 in South Africa: an endemic model of COVID-19

We developed an endemic model of COVID-19 to assess the impact of vaccination and immunity waning on the dynamics of the disease. Our model exhibits the phenomenon of backward bifurcation and bi-stability, where a stable disease-free equilibrium coexists with a stable endemic equilibrium. The epidemiological implication of this is that the control reproduction number being less than unity is no longer sufficient to guarantee disease eradication. We showed that this phenomenon could be eliminated by either increasing the vaccine efficacy or by reducing the disease transmission rate (adhering to non-pharmaceutical interventions). Furthermore, we numerically investigated the impacts of vaccination and waning of both vaccine-induced immunity and post-recovery immunity on the disease dynamics. Our simulation results show that the waning of vaccine-induced immunity has more effect on the disease dynamics relative to post-recovery immunity waning and suggests that more emphasis should be on reducing the waning of vaccine-induced immunity to eradicate COVID-19.

Changing trend in the morphology of cataracts at a tertiary eye care centre in South India due to COVID-19-pandemic related national lockdown

Purpose:

To study the changing trends in the morphology of cataracts at a tertiary eye care center in South India due to COVID-19 pandemic-related national lockdown.

Methods:

A retrospective study conducted at a tertiary eye care center in Andhra Pradesh state of South India, which included 1724 patients (1753 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery at our center during April 2019–July 2019 (1298 eyes of 1271 patients) and April 2020–July 2020 (455 eyes of 453 patients). Factors studied included preoperative lens status, associated phacodonesis or subluxation, pupil size, other eye lens status, associated retinal problems, glaucoma, and complications during surgery. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal clarity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and disc status at postoperative day 1, 1 week, and 1-month visits were compared.

Results:

A significantly lower proportion of nuclear sclerosis (decreased from 83.2% in last year before lockdown to 55.2% during lockdown) and significantly higher proportions of mature, brown, or black cataract and phacomorphic, phacolytic, or Morgagnian cataract (increased from 15.5% in last year before lockdown to 43.8% during lockdown) were observed. The proportion of small-incision cataract surgery decreased significantly (from 63.2% to 57.4%), whereas the proportion of phacoemulsification increased significantly (from 35.9% to 41.5%) during lockdown as compared to last year. A significantly higher proportion of eyes with small pupils and association with retinal pathology were also observed during the lockdown.

Conclusion:

During the national lockdown, there was a shift from nuclear sclerosis grade toward mature, brown, black grade of cataracts. In addition, the proportion of small-incision cataract surgery decreased significantly whereas the proportion of phacoemulsification increased significantly during the lockdown. More number of cataracts with small pupils and associated retinal pathology were observed during the lockdown.

HIV testing & diagnosis in 2020 at the apex tertiary referral hospital of India: impact of COVID-19 pandemic

Timely HIV testing and diagnosis are necessary to prevent the development of AIDS and interrupt its transmission in society. We collected the data on HIV testing and diagnosis in 2020 and compared it with preceding years to examine how COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions impacted HIV services. The number of people who underwent HIV testing at the apex tertiary referral hospital of India in 2020 reduced by 57% compared to 2019 or the average/year during 2019-2016. Hence, the diagnosis of new HIV infections decreased by 52% compared to 2019 and 54% compared to the average/year during 2019-2016. Provider-initiated testing and diagnosis were more affected than client-initiated. There was a non-significant change in the rate of HIV detection among tested individuals. The male testing saw a more notable drop than female testing. HIV testing between ≥50 years and ≤14 years was more affected than other age groups. The transmission via regular partner/spouse increased, whereas it decreased via heterosexual commercial sex workers.

The usefulness of additive manufacturing (AM) in COVID-19

COVID-19 caused by novel coronavirus is a serious pandemic that has affected the various countries all across the globe. The effect of this pandemic is so devastating that many rising nations are brought to their knees and struggling to save the damage posed to their economy. Medical professionals and the healthcare community are paying their best effort to minimize and overcome the spread of this pandemic. To continue to fight against the COVID-19, healthcare delivery systems require the support of novel technologies which can meet their rapid demand for medical equipment and devices. The study explores the damage caused by COVID-19 to the industrial sector and the way AM is contributing to the economy post-COVID-19. State of the art concerning the application of AM in the present scenario especially to support the interrupted global supply chain is collected and analysed to identify its relevance in the battle against COVID-19.

From a Recession to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Inflation–Unemployment Comparison between the UK and India

The recession in India and the UK peaked in 2017 due to the implications of new policy initiatives. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020 intensified the crisis, causing a drastic decline in aggregate demand and output. India and the UK have resorted to monetary and fiscal stimulus packages to face the economic crisis. This study investigated the inflation–unemployment dynamics during the recession and COVID-19 times in India and the UK. Using a generalized additive model (GAM), the results of this study revealed that the recession had given way to stagflation in India. In contrast, in the UK, it has led to a more severe recession in the short-run. During the downturn, policy initiatives aggravate the recession and eventually turn to stagflation in India due to inflation caused by the weak supply side. However, in the UK, the policy initiatives during this downturn pushed the economy into a deeper recession due to reduced demand. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a similar recessionary impact on both economies. A time horizon based recovery plan is suggested to help the economies recover from stagflation and even deeper recession. This framework could enable policymakers to choose the right path of recovery within the shortest possible time.

Cyberchondria Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Management Strategies

The corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), first found in Wuhan, China in December 2019, has posed an inexplicable threat to the global community. After its inception, the virus proliferated rapidly, which led to the cause of millions of deaths, and having a detrimental effect on physical health, social lives, economic uncertainty, and mental health of people. The World Health Organization has reported that there are 111 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2.45 million deaths due to COVID-19 worldwide. Indisputably, the present pandemic has contributed to the extensive psychological and environmental distress together with clinical depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), domestic violence, and unemployment. Due to the ambiguous nature of the pandemic, educational organizations, and outdoor activities are closed, thus burdening the mental health of younger populations. Children as well as youths are more glued to the Internet for their studies, online gaming, shopping, watching movies, and searching health-related information. Despite the advantages of using the Internet, it has some severe consequences too. Some people are repeatedly searching for physical and mental well-being related information without verifying credible sources, which, in turn, causes distress and anxiety. In such situations, individuals may end up contributing to an illness known as cyberchondria. In this paper, we have tried to highlight the problematic use of Internet for health-related searches and have outlined the management of such illness. We suggest two strategies: firstly, to reduce repeated online searches of health information and, secondly, to manage anxiety-augmenting thoughts that are triggered due to the maladaptive thoughts caused by the abstruse information.

Comparing the socio-economic implications of the 1918 Spanish flu and the COVID-19 pandemic in India: A systematic review of literature

The focus of the present study is to compare and assess the socio‐economic implications of the 1918 influenza pandemic and the COVID‐19 pandemic in India. Both pandemics are similar in the nature of their disease and spread, and have had a far‐reaching impact on society and economies worldwide. To achieve their objective, the researchers adopted the method of systematic literature review (SLR). The findings of the review have been categorised in four subsections: comparison of 1918 influenza and COVID‐19 pandemics in a global context; economic consequences of a pandemic in India; social consequences of a pandemic in India; and the pandemic mitigation measures adopted by India. The findings suggest there are similarities in the socio‐economic implications of the two pandemics and also indicate that developing countries face more severe implications of such pandemics as compared to developed countries. The research findings from the review of literature are followed by the recommendations made by the researchers.

Repercussions of COVID‐19 on small restaurant entrepreneurs: The Indian context

In the pre‐COVID period, the restaurant industry had significantly grown in India in the past decade due to rapid urbanization and modernization. In the post‐COVID period, the small restaurant entrepreneurs are fighting for their survival due to the lack of funds, a shift in the consumers' behaviour and perception, and negative cash flows. It has led to the closure of restaurants, loss of employment, and adversely affected the allied industries. The small restaurant entrepreneurs are exploring some new opportunities amid the crisis and adopting innovative approaches, technological and digital interventions to meet the consumers' need for a contact‐less dining experience. However, a joint effort on the part of entrepreneurs and government bodies will facilitate and fuel the restaurant industry's growth again.

Anomalous behaviour of ozone under COVID-19 and explicit diagnosis of O3-NOx-VOCs mechanism

Air pollution is linked to higher rates of human mortality especially those infected with COVID 19. Ozone is a harmful pollutant and is responsible for many health issues. However, some reports suggest that ozone is a strong disinfectant, and can kill the viruses. We hereby, report on the vulnerability of ozone due to COVID-19 lockdown whose levels flutter from surging to saturation in a highly polluted Indian capital, due to significant decline in anthropogenic emissions of ozone precursors. Average observed levels stabilized at 30 ppb, 12 ppb, 740 ppb, and 900 ppb for ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) respectively during lockdown period from 27^th March to 10^th April 2020. The NO₂, CO and VOC declined by 50 %, 37 %, 38 % respectively during the lockdown period of 2020 as compared to similar period in 2019. The anomalous response of ozone during the lockdown is explained by resolving the poorly known complex O₃-NO_x-VOCs mechanism with the help of data from air monitoring stations in Delhi, India. The data obtained from this study advances the fundamental understanding of ozone chemistry that may lead to improved ozone parameterization in chemical transport models and better planning of ozone risk management strategies for any global mega cities.

Infectious disease, human capital, and the BRICS economy in the time of COVID-19

We develop empirical models using difference-in-difference method to find out how COVID-19 testing and infection rates impact the BRICS economy. Our results show that strict government measures, areas of poor people and people with heart diseases have resulted in high COVID-19 testing due to the increasing infections, However, economic development and population density are not found to be rather insignificant towards the COVID-19 testing rates. Hence, both from policy and pandemic perspectives, it is inferred that these developing economies need to divert more resources and infuse more investment in the healthcare sector in the coming days.•Governments must give due stress to the health sector along with development irrespective of nature of the economy.•Our results show that strict government measures, areas of poor people and people with heart diseases have resulted in high COVID-19 testing due to the increasing infections.•Both from policy and pandemic perspectives, it is inferred that these BRICS economies need to divert more resources and infuse more investment in the healthcare sector.